Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1887-08-16
CAMP SHEEHAN.
First Artillery Regiment at the Seaside
Incidents of Camp Life


First Artillery Regiment at the Seaside
Incidents of Camp Life
SANTA Cruz, August 10, 18S7.-Here we
are at Santa Cruz, and the soldier BOYS are
now acquiring a military experience, no
whe,e to be obtained except on the tented
field. After leaving the depot at Sacra-
mento, after throwing the last kiss to their
girls. aud shouting themselves hoarse as
they crossed the river bridge into the de-
lightful suburbs of Washington. INQUIRIES
were made for the Colonel and il was
ascertained that this individual was not one
OF the party. a regiment going into camp
without Colonel did not strike the BOYS
as just the proper thing, and the train was
stopped at Swingle's long enough to let the
yard engine run over from the city with
the commanding officer. From Swinele's
the train sped along at lively rate, arriy-
ing in Santa Cruz few minutes before
seven. Soon after leaving Sacramento. the
men began to spread their blankets
upon the hunks for a good nights
sleep but to speak truthfully, it can
hardly be said that single individual had
an hour of undisturbed rest. From the
time the train started until it arrived at
Santa Cruz there was continuous buzz of
excitement. When the train pulled into
the depot at Santa Cruz, the men were
greeted by the advance guard and hun
dreds of Santa Cruz citizens with the cry
of Triple ~ and it was echoed again and
again as the remembrance of the previous
encampment arose in the boys minds.
Everything was in readiness, and in a
very few minutes the regiment was march
ftnra v.lAn
Of a mile we reached the entrance of the
camp, and as We marched through the
gate we were greeted with cheers by the
regulars and large number Of people of
Santa Cruz. The regiment was drawn up
in line by Colonel Guthrie, and Adiutaut
Wlseman gave the necessary order for de-
tailiDg the guard. This done, the companies
were marched to their respective quarters
where ranks were broken and arms stacked
All hands made rush for the bales of
straw. This proved regular picnic. The
strongest and most active would "get away"
with whole bale, while the man who
hung behind" could secure only an armful.
After the tents had been Strengthened out
the men were marched to breakfast, and a
genuine breakfast it was, too. No better
meal was spread before hungry soldier in
any camp, and Lieutenant Flahertv. the
overseer of the culinary department. re-
ceived many flattering compliments, all of
which were well deserved. Flaherty is
good feeder himself he is a Judge of
good grub he knows the quality and
quantity desired. and best of all, he knows
how it should be cooked and served. The
contrast between the tripe" bill of fare
at Camp Stoneman, and the elegant meals
served by Flaherty at Camp Sheehan was
so great that it put the boys in the best of
humor.
After breakfast a guard of thirty men
was thrown out, and camp life in all its
realities began. At noon the boys were
called from labor to refreshments" The
exercise of the morning and the bracing
sea breeze whetted the appetite, and the
men did ample justice to the dinner, which,
IN point of excellence, excelled even the
breakfast
After dinner most of the men went info
the city or strolled down to the beach.
Just before the noon hour Chaplain Car
rol M. Davis conducted religious exercises.
the regiment being drawn up in line in
front of the Coloners headquarters.
AT P. NJ. the dress parade took place.
after which the boys retired to their tents
for good nights rest.
Today the camp was given up to hard
work, and everything has been done to
beautify the grounds or that will add to the
comfort of the men. The guardsmen are
profiting by observing the regulars. The
latter are very kind. To-day they sent all
of their orderly sergeants into the N.G.C.
camp, and gave the militia sergeants an
hour of instruction. Colonel Skater in
vited Colonel Guthrie to his parade ground.
and at dress parade showed him all the
points, together with various new depart
ures.
Tonight the First Artillery Band sere
naded the regulars. Tomorrow night at
his headquarters Colonel Guthrie will give
a reception.
The two dress parades this evening were
witnessed by many hundreds of people.
The general health of the camp is quite
good, but the change of water has affected
some. Lieutenant-C Colonel Mckee tonight
is quite sick in camp and under medical
care.
The order maintained in camp is very
good, the strictest military discipline being
observed
Great complaint is being made about the
scarcity of tents, and the Adjutant- General
OF the State is severely censured. General
Carey will procure more tents Tomorrow.
To-day the distinguished visitor of both
camps was General o. o. Howard. The
camp at night presents beautiful appear
ance, being handsomely decorated with
japanese lanterns.